-LRB- CNN -RRB- Americans will spend about $ 550 million on self-help books this year and more than $ 1 billion on motivational speakers . Obviously , many of us are on a quest for happiness .

I get it . We all want , and deserve , that sense of well-being . But save your money . Achieving happiness is easier than you may think .

We all experience emotional highs throughout our lives -- with a job promotion , on our wedding day , with the birth of a child . But these moments only yield temporary feelings of elation , and experts say that they alone are not enough to achieve true happiness .

Happiness is n't just an emotional state . Decades of research proves it goes much deeper . In fact , science shows people who are happy live longer and healthier lives . The good news is that generating better bliss is something we can all do regardless of our environment or genetics .

Here are seven ways to boost your life satisfaction :

Start by changing your attitude .

That 's right -- I 'm talking to you , pessimists .

A Harvard University study found that optimists are not only happier but are 50 % less likely to have heart disease , a heart attack or a stroke . It turns out that keeping a positive outlook actually offers protection against cardiovascular disease .

The science does n't fare as well for pessimists . They have lower levels of happiness compared with optimists and are three times as likely to develop health problems as they age , researchers say .

Learn from people who are already happy .

Denmark has earned the top spot on the European Commission 's `` Eurobarometer '' for well-being and happiness every year since 1973 . And when the United Nations went on the hunt for the happiest nation in the world , it ranked Denmark No. 1 .

So what makes Danes more satisfied with their lives ? Sure , things like life expectancy , gross domestic product and a low-corruption rate help . But the overall level of happiness in Denmark has more to do with the generosity that 's common among citizens , their freedom to make life choices and a strong social support system , according to the U.N. World Happiness Report .

Copenhagen : The world 's happiest city

Work less .

The Danes seem to strike a great work-life balance , which ups their happiness level . Simply put : They do n't overwork . In fact , the average workweek in Denmark is 33 hours -- only 2 % of Danes work more than 40 hours a week .

Almost 80 % of mothers in Denmark return to work after having a child , but they balance their free time between families , weekly happy hour with their girlfriends and participating in community club programs .

Focus on experiences .

Danes also pay less attention to gadgets and things and more attention to building memories . Studies show that people who focus on experiences over `` things '' have higher levels of satisfaction , long after the moment of the experience has passed .

Too much stuff tends often leads to debt , not to mention the time and stress associated with keeping up all those gadgets , cars , properties , clothes , etc. .

Researchers say when people focus on experiences , they feel a greater sense of vitality or `` being alive '' during the experience and afterward . It also brings you mentally closer to the people around you , which may contribute to your happiness boost .

Build up your social network .

By simply being social , you could slow down your biological age . Research shows that a strong social support system can lengthen our telomeres .

Telomeres are the tiny caps on our DNA chromosomes that indicate our cellular age . According to experts , no friends can equal shorter telomeres and , in turn , a shorter life .

Other studies have showed that loneliness leads to higher rates of depression , health problems and stress . Solution : Have at least one close friend to boost your happiness level and health .

Volunteer .

People who volunteer are happier with their lives than those who do n't , according to dozens of studies . The United Nations even credits volunteerism as one of the reasons Denmark is the happiest nation in the world -- 43 % of Danes regularly give back to their community , compared with 25 % of Americans .

The joy of helping others starts early . A 2012 study found children prefer to give than to receive . Researchers gave two groups of toddlers snacks and then asked one group to give their treats away . The children who gave away their treats showed greater happiness about sharing their possessions , suggesting that the act of personal sacrifice was emotionally rewarding , researchers say .

The sacrifice does n't have to be big -- previous research has found that donating or spending as little as $ 5 on others has emotional benefits .

Experts say we are all inherently compassionate . Performing acts of kindness , volunteering time and donating money increases happiness by improving your sense of community , purpose and self-image .

Just start laughing .

Research shows that laughing does n't just signal happiness , it produces it . When we laugh , our stress hormones decrease and our endorphins rise . Endorphins are the same brain chemicals associated with the `` runner 's high '' you get from exercise .

Live to 100 : Laugh more

Laughing is also good for your heart . A study found that only 8 % of heart patients who were made to laugh daily had a second heart attack within a year , compared with 42 % of the non-laughers .

Studies show our bodies ca n't differentiate between fake and real laughter ; you 'll get the health boost either way . So you can even fake it until you make it . Laugh in your car , in the shower -- force yourself to start laughing a few minutes every day .

@highlight

Science shows happy people live longer and healthier lives

@highlight

Change your attitude -- optimists have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease

@highlight

Denmark has been ranked the happiest nation in the world